Some history on Memorial Day, May 29th
From Decoration Day to Memorial Day, General John A. Logan (the commander of the Grand Army of the Republic) declared that Decoration Day be observed on May 30. In the first National Celebration of Decoration Day, James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery. After the speech, 5,000 people who participated helped decorate the graves of 20,000 honored soldiers who were buried there. In his speech, he said, “We do not know one promise these men made, one pledge they gave, one word they spoke; but we do know they summed up and perfected, by one supreme act, the highest virtues of men and citizens. For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue.” Remember to fly your American Flag at half-staff from sunrise until noon.
Veterans Outreach Summit
Congressman Glen Thompson will host a panel-style listening session to provide updates and information on issues facing our nation’s veterans. Thompson will be joined by representatives from the Department of Veterans Affairs, including Director John Gennaro, to engage in a dialogue with Pennsylvania’s veterans. Among the topics to be discussed will be legislation initiatives in the 115th Congress, veterans’ health care and resources available to veterans and their families. VA officials will also be available after the panel discussions for one-on-one conversations. It will be held at 4-5 p.m. May 30 at VFW Post 470, located at 1808 West 26th St. in Erie. For questions, call Scotty Nulty (202) 225-5121.
Aspen Dental’s National Day of Service
Thousands of Veterans will receive free dental care on Saturday, June 24, when doctors and their teams from nearly 450 Aspen Dental practices in 35 states open their doors for Aspen Dental’s National Day of Service. Interested veterans should call (844) 277-3634. To find a participating practice in your community and schedule an appointment in advance. Space is limited and appointments are filling up fast.
Senate Introduces VFW-Supported VA Health Care Bill
Senators Tammy Duckworth, Susan Collins and Richard Blumenthal introduced bipartisan legislation to expand cost-free preventive health care and medicine to veterans using VA. The VFW learned last year that while preventive health care and medicines are provided cost-free by law to all other insured Americans – whether it be with the Department of Defense or private sector insurance – VA is required by law to charge for these services and prescriptions. “There is no excusable reason why every other American can receive breast cancer prevention medicine cost-free, but veterans must pay. It is unsatisfactory that every other American prone to falls and breaking bones can receive cost-free vitamin D supplements, but our warriors with TBI must pay,” said VFW Adjutant General Robert E. Wallace. The VFW urges its members and supporters to contact their members of Congress and tell them to support S. 1161 and H.R. 1100, the Veterans Preventive Health Coverage Fairness Act.
POW/MIA Update
Army Pfc. Manuel M. Quintana, 19, of Klondyke, Ariz., was buried May 19 in Boulder City, Nev. Quintana was a member of Company K, 3rd Battalion, 29th Infantry Regiment.
Army Staff Sgt. Michael Aiello was a member of Company G, 401st Glider Infantry Regiment (GIR). Attached to the 325th GIR for Operation Market Garden. Interment services are pending.
Army Cpl. John Lane was assigned to Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. Interment services are pending.
Army Cpl. Richard Seadore was assigned to Company D, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. Seadore’s unit was set up in defensive positions north of Uijong-bu, South Korea. Interment services are pending.
Army Cpl. Glen E. Kritzwiser was a member of Battery C, 15th Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division. Kritzwiser’s unit, part of Support Force 21, provided artillery fire support for South Korean forces. Interment services are pending.
Army Cpl. Frank L. Sandoval was a member of Battery A, 15th Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division. Sandoval’s unit, part of Support Force 21, provided artillery fire support for South Korean forces . Interment services are pending.
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
